In Luke this week, a demand from a man in the crowds prompts Jesus to issue a strong word of caution, not just to the man but to all who will hear it.
“Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness… (Luke 12:15)”
Coveting is one of those Bible-y sounding words that we rarely use in our everyday speech and yet, it’s something we are probably all tempted to do to one degree or another on almost a daily basis. It’s the longing to have what God has given your neighbor but not you. It’s an expression of discontentment and as such, is sin.
I’d guess that coveting is a sin most of us think of as a “minor” one (as is there is such a thing), but the Bible sure doesn’t view it that way. Take a moment to let this statement from the apostle Paul sink in.
“You may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:5).”
That should snap us to attention. Covetousness is nothing less than idolatry, so we should take care and be on our guard against it in all its forms. Jesus will explain why covetousness is not the path to the abundant life we might think it is and he’ll illustrate it with a sobering parable to drive home his point. And he will invite us to follow him on the path that leads to truly abundant life.
As you prepare your heart for our gathered worship this Sunday, set aside some time to read and reflect on Luke 12:13-21. As you do, consider two questions. How can I relate to the man in the crowd and/or the man in the parable? And what would a believing response to this passage be?
This Sunday Kenny Clark will be preaching and Walt Harrah will be leading our sung worship. Would you pray for each as they prepare? Let’s ask the Lord to help us “not set our hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God… so that we may take hold of that which is truly life (1 Tim. 6:17-19).”
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
Song Link of the Week
My Worth Is Not in What I Own by Keith and Kristyn Getty
I rejoice in my Redeemer
Greatest treasure, Wellspring of my soul
I will trust in Him, no other
My soul is satisfied in Him alone